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Thursday, February 23, 2023
Woody species control at W. Pearl King Prairie Savanna 10:00 am - 3:00 pm Mechanicsburg Madison County W. Pearl King Prairie Savanna was dedicated as a state nature preserve in 2020. The 20-acre preserve protects the best remaining oak savanna in the historical Darby Plains. Scattered old-growth bur (Quercus macrocarpa), post (Q. stellata) and white (Q. alba) oaks are on the site with a suite of prairie wildflowers. The preserve is owned and managed by Columbus and Franklin County Metro Parks. Access is by permit from Columbus and Franklin County Metro Parks. As ONAPA assists Crawford Park District with management of Daughmer Savanna, ONAPA will be helping Columbus and Franklin County Metro Parks control woody species in the understory of W. Pearl King Savanna. Directions: This savanna is located in the Darby Plains on David Brown Road in Mechanicsburg. It is near the intersection of David Brown Road and Mechanicsburg-Sanford Road. Parking will be along the road. |
Photo by Carrie Morrow, courtesy of the Columbus and Franklin County Metro Parks.
What to bring: Bring lunch, water, hiking boots, gloves. ONAPA and the Metro Parks will provide tools and conduct herbicide application.
RSVP: If you would like to attend, please REGISTER. If you have questions, please contact The Ohio Natural Areas and Preserves Association HERE. Online registration is important for our planning. |
MEMBER'S 2015 FIELD TRIPS & EVENTS
Not a 2015 ONAPA member? You can join now using PayPal or
by downloading a membership form HERE.
Please contact Christine at [email protected] to let us know you will be joining us.Include your name, phone number and email address.
For questions, contact Christine Hadley at 513-850-9585.
Sunday, April 26 at 1 p.m.
Spring Wild Flower Walk at Whipple State Nature Preserve
Spring Wild Flower Walk at Whipple State Nature Preserve
Adams County
Leaders: Marjie Becus and Dave Kuehner
Co-sponsored by the Cincinnati Wild Flower Preservation Society
This will be in the public-access section of Whipple which has profusions of celandine poppies, large flower trilliums, Virginia blue bells, miterwort and various other spring ephemerals. The leaders think you’ll be impressed with the colorful array. The loop trail is two miles and has some hills, but we’ll be moving slowly to take in all the flowers.
Directions: Meet at Walmart in West Union to carpool to Whipple, as there is limited parking at the preserve. From Cincinnati, take I-275 to exit 63 for OH 32 East. (Be aware that this intersection has been drastically changed.) Travel 41 miles on OH 32. Turn right onto OH 247 South and travel for 9.7 miles. Turn right onto West Main Street (which is also OH 41 and OH 125)and travel for 0.1 miles. Turn left onto South Manchester Street/OH 41 South and drive 1.1 miles to Walmart, located on the right, where we will meet in the parking lot to carpool. The Walmart address is 11217 OH 41, West Union, OH 45693.
Leaders: Marjie Becus and Dave Kuehner
Co-sponsored by the Cincinnati Wild Flower Preservation Society
This will be in the public-access section of Whipple which has profusions of celandine poppies, large flower trilliums, Virginia blue bells, miterwort and various other spring ephemerals. The leaders think you’ll be impressed with the colorful array. The loop trail is two miles and has some hills, but we’ll be moving slowly to take in all the flowers.
Directions: Meet at Walmart in West Union to carpool to Whipple, as there is limited parking at the preserve. From Cincinnati, take I-275 to exit 63 for OH 32 East. (Be aware that this intersection has been drastically changed.) Travel 41 miles on OH 32. Turn right onto OH 247 South and travel for 9.7 miles. Turn right onto West Main Street (which is also OH 41 and OH 125)and travel for 0.1 miles. Turn left onto South Manchester Street/OH 41 South and drive 1.1 miles to Walmart, located on the right, where we will meet in the parking lot to carpool. The Walmart address is 11217 OH 41, West Union, OH 45693.
Saturday, May 30, 10 a.m. (Cancelled due to illness)
Conkle’s Hollow State Nature Preserve Geology Walk
Conkle’s Hollow State Nature Preserve Geology Walk
Hocking County
Leader: Tim Snyder
This walk will emphasize the Black Hand Sandstone, the rock unit responsible for some of the most spectacular scenery in Ohio. We'll also be looking at how geology influences landforms and how that, in turn, determines the plant and animal communities found on them.
Directions: Approximately 12 miles south of Logan on SR 664, 1 mile north on SR 374, and .25 mile east on Big Pine Rd to the signed entrance.
Leader: Tim Snyder
This walk will emphasize the Black Hand Sandstone, the rock unit responsible for some of the most spectacular scenery in Ohio. We'll also be looking at how geology influences landforms and how that, in turn, determines the plant and animal communities found on them.
Directions: Approximately 12 miles south of Logan on SR 664, 1 mile north on SR 374, and .25 mile east on Big Pine Rd to the signed entrance.
Sunday, June 21st, 9 a. m. – Noon
Canoe Paddle on Bass Lake
Canoe Paddle on Bass Lake
Bass Lake State Nature Preserve
Geauga County
Co-sponsored by ODNR Scenic River and Geauga Park District
Leaders: Dan Best, Geauga Park Naturalist and Paul Pira, Geauga Park Biologist
Limited to 16 participants (Must be an ONAPA member)
This day will begin with a program about Ohio’s brook trout presented by Paul Pira. We will then enjoy a leisurely paddle on Bass Lake, a glacial lake in the head waters of the Chagrin River, and have the opportunity to encounter Ohio’s only native brook trout in adjacent Spring Brook Preserve. Spring Brook Sanctuary and Bass Lake Preserve, are dedicated State Nature Preserves.
What to bring: Water bug spray, and sunscreen.
Canoes, paddles & PFD’s will be provided. We can accommodate a few member canoes.
Directions: 11445 Lakeview Road,Chardon, Munson Township. For a Google map, click HERE.
Geauga County
Co-sponsored by ODNR Scenic River and Geauga Park District
Leaders: Dan Best, Geauga Park Naturalist and Paul Pira, Geauga Park Biologist
Limited to 16 participants (Must be an ONAPA member)
This day will begin with a program about Ohio’s brook trout presented by Paul Pira. We will then enjoy a leisurely paddle on Bass Lake, a glacial lake in the head waters of the Chagrin River, and have the opportunity to encounter Ohio’s only native brook trout in adjacent Spring Brook Preserve. Spring Brook Sanctuary and Bass Lake Preserve, are dedicated State Nature Preserves.
What to bring: Water bug spray, and sunscreen.
Canoes, paddles & PFD’s will be provided. We can accommodate a few member canoes.
Directions: 11445 Lakeview Road,Chardon, Munson Township. For a Google map, click HERE.
July 6, 7, 8 & 9
Summer Wild Flower Expedition to Hiawatha National Forest
(SORRY, TRIP IS FILLED!)
Summer Wild Flower Expedition to Hiawatha National Forest
(SORRY, TRIP IS FILLED!)
Upper Peninsula of Michigan
Leader: Guy Denny
An ONAPA members' field trip to explore the plants and animals of the boreal forest of the Upper Peninsula of Michigan. All field trips will originate from the Gray Wolf Lodge, 6770 US Highway 2, Manistique, Michigan, 49854. Sites to be visited include Seney National Wildlife Refuge, Picture Rocks National Lakeshore, the Garden Peninsula, and a number of bogs and fens situated within Hiawatha National Forest. There is no charge to participate, however, participants are responsible for their own food, lodging, and transportation. Participants must register ahead of time with ONAPA to receive more detailed information. We can only accommodate up to 20 participants, so register early by emailing [email protected].
Leader: Guy Denny
An ONAPA members' field trip to explore the plants and animals of the boreal forest of the Upper Peninsula of Michigan. All field trips will originate from the Gray Wolf Lodge, 6770 US Highway 2, Manistique, Michigan, 49854. Sites to be visited include Seney National Wildlife Refuge, Picture Rocks National Lakeshore, the Garden Peninsula, and a number of bogs and fens situated within Hiawatha National Forest. There is no charge to participate, however, participants are responsible for their own food, lodging, and transportation. Participants must register ahead of time with ONAPA to receive more detailed information. We can only accommodate up to 20 participants, so register early by emailing [email protected].
Saturday July 11 at 10 a.m.
Wetlands Walk at Herrick Fen State Nature Preserve
Wetlands Walk at Herrick Fen State Nature Preserve
Portage County
Doug Marcum & Ray Stewart
Co-sponsored by the Ohio Wetlands Association
This preserve lies within the Tinker's Creek watershed in the glaciated Allegheny Plateau region of northeastern Ohio. It is important for its tamarack and cinquefoil-sedge fen communities. The tamarack fen supports one of the few reproducing populations of tamarack in Ohio, the only native conifer in Ohio which sheds its needles each year. The cinquefoil-sedge fen contains an extensive population of bayberry, a state endangered plant found in only three locations in Ohio.
Directions: From Streetsboro, take SR 43 south for 0.2 miles from its intersection with SR 14. Turn right (southwest) on Seasons Rd (Township Rd 157)and follow it 2.2 miles to a gravel lane on the left (east) side just past a railroad crossing. This lane is a joint access which leads along the present north boundary of the preserve to a small parking lot on the right. The address is 8260 Seasons Rd, Streetsboro, Ohio 44241.
Doug Marcum & Ray Stewart
Co-sponsored by the Ohio Wetlands Association
This preserve lies within the Tinker's Creek watershed in the glaciated Allegheny Plateau region of northeastern Ohio. It is important for its tamarack and cinquefoil-sedge fen communities. The tamarack fen supports one of the few reproducing populations of tamarack in Ohio, the only native conifer in Ohio which sheds its needles each year. The cinquefoil-sedge fen contains an extensive population of bayberry, a state endangered plant found in only three locations in Ohio.
Directions: From Streetsboro, take SR 43 south for 0.2 miles from its intersection with SR 14. Turn right (southwest) on Seasons Rd (Township Rd 157)and follow it 2.2 miles to a gravel lane on the left (east) side just past a railroad crossing. This lane is a joint access which leads along the present north boundary of the preserve to a small parking lot on the right. The address is 8260 Seasons Rd, Streetsboro, Ohio 44241.
Saturday July 18 at 10 a.m.
Wetlands Walk at the Tom S. Cooperrider-Kent Bog State Nature Preserve
Wetlands Walk at the Tom S. Cooperrider-Kent Bog State Nature Preserve
Summit County
Leaders: Doug Marcum & Ray Stewart
Co-sponsored by the Ohio Wetlands Association
Kent Bog supports the largest, southernmost stand of tamarack in the continental United States. There are over 3,500 tamaracks in this population with many robust seedlings growing among the larger trees. Here, too, is a fine population of gray birch, also a tree of more northern distribution. Gray Birch and tamarack are both potentially threatened species in Ohio.
Directions: From I-76 east take the Kent exit (SR 43) north to Meloy Road, head west to the parking lot.
Leaders: Doug Marcum & Ray Stewart
Co-sponsored by the Ohio Wetlands Association
Kent Bog supports the largest, southernmost stand of tamarack in the continental United States. There are over 3,500 tamaracks in this population with many robust seedlings growing among the larger trees. Here, too, is a fine population of gray birch, also a tree of more northern distribution. Gray Birch and tamarack are both potentially threatened species in Ohio.
Directions: From I-76 east take the Kent exit (SR 43) north to Meloy Road, head west to the parking lot.
Saturday July 25, 10 am
A Visit to Guy Denny’s Prairie
A Visit to Guy Denny’s Prairie
Knox County
Leader: Guy Denny
Guy Denny’s 22 acres of prairie is about 20 miles east of the original prairies of the Sandusky Plains, located in Marion and Crawford counties. It is designed to look as the prairies in that area would have looked prior to European settlement. The prairie is burned every year. It will be easy walking but could get hot, so bring water!
Our host, Guy Denny, is a gifted naturalist and storyteller who brings to life the history of the prairie with stories of the plants and the people who lived with the grasslands. He is also a writer and photographer with a wealth of knowledge about the natural history of Ohio. Guy retired in 1999 from his position as Chief of the Ohio Department of Natural Resources, Division of Natural Areas and Preserves (DNAP) after a professional career spanning 33 years of public service. As Chief of DNAP, he was responsible for administering the state’s natural areas and scenic rivers programs. Since retiring, he has served as the Executive Director of the Ohio Biological Survey; currently, Guy serves as Secretary-Treasurer for the Outdoor Writers of Ohio; as Vice-Chair for District 17 Natural Resources Advisory Council for the Clean Ohio Fund; and on the boards of the Midwest Biodiversity Institute, The Trust for Public Lands, and other groups. One of his newest posts is President of Ohio Natural Areas and Preserves Association (ONAPA).
Directions: Take I-71 north to State Route 95 exit 151, which is about 45 minutes north of Columbus. (Here, at the junction of I-71 and SR 95, where there is a Wendy’s and a McDonald’s, we strongly urge trip participants to make a preemptive restroom stop so that we do not overtax our host's hospitality.) Follow SR 95 east about 2 miles to Chesterville, Ohio, continuing out of Chesterville on SR 95 for another 2 .5 miles to the Knox County line. Guy’s driveway is on the north (left) side of the road about 20 feet inside Knox County. The number on the mail box is 6021 (Be advised that the numbering scheme in Knox County is quite different from the scheme used in Morrow County, so don’t be confused by this). There is a very long driveway back to the house, which cannot be seen from the road. The address is 6021 Mt. Gilead Rd., Fredericktown, Ohio 43019.
Leader: Guy Denny
Guy Denny’s 22 acres of prairie is about 20 miles east of the original prairies of the Sandusky Plains, located in Marion and Crawford counties. It is designed to look as the prairies in that area would have looked prior to European settlement. The prairie is burned every year. It will be easy walking but could get hot, so bring water!
Our host, Guy Denny, is a gifted naturalist and storyteller who brings to life the history of the prairie with stories of the plants and the people who lived with the grasslands. He is also a writer and photographer with a wealth of knowledge about the natural history of Ohio. Guy retired in 1999 from his position as Chief of the Ohio Department of Natural Resources, Division of Natural Areas and Preserves (DNAP) after a professional career spanning 33 years of public service. As Chief of DNAP, he was responsible for administering the state’s natural areas and scenic rivers programs. Since retiring, he has served as the Executive Director of the Ohio Biological Survey; currently, Guy serves as Secretary-Treasurer for the Outdoor Writers of Ohio; as Vice-Chair for District 17 Natural Resources Advisory Council for the Clean Ohio Fund; and on the boards of the Midwest Biodiversity Institute, The Trust for Public Lands, and other groups. One of his newest posts is President of Ohio Natural Areas and Preserves Association (ONAPA).
Directions: Take I-71 north to State Route 95 exit 151, which is about 45 minutes north of Columbus. (Here, at the junction of I-71 and SR 95, where there is a Wendy’s and a McDonald’s, we strongly urge trip participants to make a preemptive restroom stop so that we do not overtax our host's hospitality.) Follow SR 95 east about 2 miles to Chesterville, Ohio, continuing out of Chesterville on SR 95 for another 2 .5 miles to the Knox County line. Guy’s driveway is on the north (left) side of the road about 20 feet inside Knox County. The number on the mail box is 6021 (Be advised that the numbering scheme in Knox County is quite different from the scheme used in Morrow County, so don’t be confused by this). There is a very long driveway back to the house, which cannot be seen from the road. The address is 6021 Mt. Gilead Rd., Fredericktown, Ohio 43019.
Saturday August 15 at 1 p.m.
A Tour of the NASA Plum Brook Station Prairie
Erie County
Leader: John Blakeman
We will see rare prairie plants in bloom, large restored prairie landscapes (just as they were before settlement -- wilderness), and oak savanna. Visitors will learn how to create and manage giant prairie landscapes, how various forms of wildlife are managed and conserved at Plum Brook Station (PBS). Deer and wild turkeys will be seen. Visitors are encouraged to bring cameras. Photos are allowed and encouraged.
We will travel in a car caravan, and remain on PBS roads throughout the trip. No off-highway walking.
You must RSVP by Wednesday, August 12 in order to make sure your name is on the tour list. Those not on this list will not be permitted inside.
Your RSVP must include:
Name
Address
Phone Number
RSVP HERE
When entering, visitors must show a photo ID. A state driver's license works for this. All visitors must wear the NASA-provided badges, issued at entrance.
Directions: Plum Brook Station is southeast of Sandusky. Take US 250 to Bogart Road. Head west on Bogart Rd. and in about 1000 feet, turn left onto Botay Road. Look for the green Plum Brook Station sign. Continue to the Main Gate on the left.
A Tour of the NASA Plum Brook Station Prairie
Erie County
Leader: John Blakeman
We will see rare prairie plants in bloom, large restored prairie landscapes (just as they were before settlement -- wilderness), and oak savanna. Visitors will learn how to create and manage giant prairie landscapes, how various forms of wildlife are managed and conserved at Plum Brook Station (PBS). Deer and wild turkeys will be seen. Visitors are encouraged to bring cameras. Photos are allowed and encouraged.
We will travel in a car caravan, and remain on PBS roads throughout the trip. No off-highway walking.
You must RSVP by Wednesday, August 12 in order to make sure your name is on the tour list. Those not on this list will not be permitted inside.
Your RSVP must include:
Name
Address
Phone Number
RSVP HERE
When entering, visitors must show a photo ID. A state driver's license works for this. All visitors must wear the NASA-provided badges, issued at entrance.
Directions: Plum Brook Station is southeast of Sandusky. Take US 250 to Bogart Road. Head west on Bogart Rd. and in about 1000 feet, turn left onto Botay Road. Look for the green Plum Brook Station sign. Continue to the Main Gate on the left.
Widow Skimmer
Saturday, August 22 at 10 a.m.
Looking for Insects at the Little Darby Creek State Scenic River
Franklin County
Leader: Jim Davidson
We will be exploring both Little Darby Creek State Scenic River and a nearby wetland to learn how to identify the common odonates occurring in both stream and wetland habitats. Although typically small in size, these amazing insects are as colorful as any spring warbler. Learning how to identify them and the ecological niches they inhabit will expand your knowledge of and appreciation for the realm of the odonate.
What to Bring: We will start off by wading in Little Darby Creek so shorts and wading shoes or old tennis shoes will be essential. Bring a sack lunch and drink. Since dragonflies are hard to approach, binoculars that close focus around 10-6 feet will be extremely helpful. If you have a book on Dragonflies and Damselflies, bring it along.
Meet at the Dyer Mill Trail Head Parking Lot. (This is a change)
Directions: Follow US40 (West Broad Street) west of Columbus to Darby Creek Drive. There is a sign along US40 at the junction directing folks to Battelle Darby Creek Metro Park.
Turn south on Darby Creek Drive and proceed several miles and then past the entrance to Battelle Darby Creek Metro Park. A short distance up the road is Alkire Road. Turn right (west) on Alkire and follow it to Gardner Road which is located just past the Metro Park parking lot were participants met for the dragonfly field trip last year. This is just before the confluence of Big Darby Creek and Little Darby Creek. Turn right on Gardner Road and follow it a short distance to the Dyer Mill Trailhead Metro Park parking lot on the left adjacent to Little Darby Creek just west of where it meets Big Darby Creek. That is the parking lot in which we will meet.
Looking for Insects at the Little Darby Creek State Scenic River
Franklin County
Leader: Jim Davidson
We will be exploring both Little Darby Creek State Scenic River and a nearby wetland to learn how to identify the common odonates occurring in both stream and wetland habitats. Although typically small in size, these amazing insects are as colorful as any spring warbler. Learning how to identify them and the ecological niches they inhabit will expand your knowledge of and appreciation for the realm of the odonate.
What to Bring: We will start off by wading in Little Darby Creek so shorts and wading shoes or old tennis shoes will be essential. Bring a sack lunch and drink. Since dragonflies are hard to approach, binoculars that close focus around 10-6 feet will be extremely helpful. If you have a book on Dragonflies and Damselflies, bring it along.
Meet at the Dyer Mill Trail Head Parking Lot. (This is a change)
Directions: Follow US40 (West Broad Street) west of Columbus to Darby Creek Drive. There is a sign along US40 at the junction directing folks to Battelle Darby Creek Metro Park.
Turn south on Darby Creek Drive and proceed several miles and then past the entrance to Battelle Darby Creek Metro Park. A short distance up the road is Alkire Road. Turn right (west) on Alkire and follow it to Gardner Road which is located just past the Metro Park parking lot were participants met for the dragonfly field trip last year. This is just before the confluence of Big Darby Creek and Little Darby Creek. Turn right on Gardner Road and follow it a short distance to the Dyer Mill Trailhead Metro Park parking lot on the left adjacent to Little Darby Creek just west of where it meets Big Darby Creek. That is the parking lot in which we will meet.
September 19 & 20, 2015
ONAPA Annual Banquet & Meeting
Dawes Arboretum
7770 Jacksontown Rd, Newark, OH
Join us for a weekend of activities!
Details published HERE.
ONAPA Annual Banquet & Meeting
Dawes Arboretum
7770 Jacksontown Rd, Newark, OH
Join us for a weekend of activities!
Details published HERE.
Saturday September 26 at 10 a.m.
Prairie Seed Collecting
Knox County
Leader: Guy Denny
For those of you who would like to start your own prairie garden or expand the prairie garden you may already have, this is your chance to collect native prairie seeds. We will discuss the origin and ecology of Ohio prairies and introduce participants to numerous prairie plants native to Ohio. Participants will have the opportunity to collect seeds as we go along. Please, no commercial collectors. This event is just for prairie wildflower hobbyists.
What to Bring: Dress for the weather, rain or shine. Bring a sack lunch and water to drink. Camera and binoculars are desirable, but not essential. Paper sacks will be provided for collecting your own prairie seeds.
Directions: Take I-71 to exit 151, Ohio 95 Mt. Gilead/Fredericktown. Head east, just under 5 miles. Guy’s driveway is on the north (left) side of the road about 20 feet inside Knox County. The number on the mail box is 6021(Be advised that the numbering scheme in Knox County is quite different from the scheme used in Morrow County, so don’t be confused by this). There is a very long driveway back to the house, which cannot be seen from the road. The address is 6021 Mt. Gilead Rd., Fredericktown, Ohio 43019.
Leader: Guy Denny
For those of you who would like to start your own prairie garden or expand the prairie garden you may already have, this is your chance to collect native prairie seeds. We will discuss the origin and ecology of Ohio prairies and introduce participants to numerous prairie plants native to Ohio. Participants will have the opportunity to collect seeds as we go along. Please, no commercial collectors. This event is just for prairie wildflower hobbyists.
What to Bring: Dress for the weather, rain or shine. Bring a sack lunch and water to drink. Camera and binoculars are desirable, but not essential. Paper sacks will be provided for collecting your own prairie seeds.
Directions: Take I-71 to exit 151, Ohio 95 Mt. Gilead/Fredericktown. Head east, just under 5 miles. Guy’s driveway is on the north (left) side of the road about 20 feet inside Knox County. The number on the mail box is 6021(Be advised that the numbering scheme in Knox County is quite different from the scheme used in Morrow County, so don’t be confused by this). There is a very long driveway back to the house, which cannot be seen from the road. The address is 6021 Mt. Gilead Rd., Fredericktown, Ohio 43019.
Sunday, September 27 at 2 p.m.
Travertine Fen State Nature Preserve
Travertine Fen State Nature Preserve
Greene County
Leaders: Dan Boone & Marjie Becus
This trip is co-sponsored by the Cincinnati Wild Flower Preservation Society
Details coming soon
Leaders: Dan Boone & Marjie Becus
This trip is co-sponsored by the Cincinnati Wild Flower Preservation Society
Details coming soon
Saturday, October 3 at Noon
Wildflowers at Beaver Creek State Park
Wildflowers at Beaver Creek State Park
Columbiana County
Leader: Allison Cusick
Details coming soon
Leader: Allison Cusick
Details coming soon
Saturday, November 7
Christmas Rocks State Nature Preserve
Christmas Rocks State Nature Preserve
Fairfield County
Leader: Jeff Johnson
Details coming soon
Leader: Jeff Johnson
Details coming soon